FARGO, N.D. (Summit League) — The University of South Dakota Coyotes used two big innings early to jump on North Dakota State and earn a 10-1 five-inning victory in the semifinals of the Summit League softball tournament.
South Dakota plated five runs on three hits including a 3-run home run from Jessica Rogers in the first inning to jump out to a quick five run advantage. Two innings later the Yotes extended their lead when Dustie Durham hit her second 2-RBI single up the middle of the game, giving her four RBIs in just three innings.
North Dakota State was able to score its lone run of the shortened contest in the bottom of the fourth but were unable to score enough runs between the fourth and fifth innings to avoid the five inning, 8-run deficit run rule loss.
How It Happened
Inning | Score | Play |
T1 | 0-5 | South Dakota jumped out to an early lead when Dustie Durham singled up the middle, scoring Fowler who led off the game with a double and Fernandez who walked. The next batter, Jessica Rogers then cleared the bases with a 3-run home run to dead center |
T3 | 0-9 | Durham got it done in the third with a 2-RBI single up the middle that scored Lauren Eamiguel and Jamie Holscher. The Yotes extended the lead to nine on a Ashtyn Blakeman ground out to third that scored Courtney Wilson |
B3 | 1-9 | North Dakota State got on the board with double from Vanessa Anderson that scored Montana DeCamp |
T4 | 1-10 | USD regained a nine-run advantage when a Durham double down the right field line and an NDSU throwing error allowed Eamiguel to score from second |
Pitchers of Record
Win – Alexis Devers (13-13): 5 IP, 2 hits, 1 earned run, 3 strikeouts, 3 walks
Loss – KK Leddy (22-8): 5 IP, 11 hits, 10 earned runs, 1 strikeout, 2 walks
Notable Notes
• North Dakota State was run-ruled for the first time since Feb. 23 against No. 22/21 Auburn
• This was the first run-rule victory for USD since April 7 when they beat Omaha 9-1 in six innings
• This was just the third time all season that NDSU gave up double-digit runs
• USD’s Dustie Durham had a game-high five RBIs. Her five RBIs ties for the fifth most in a Summit League tournament game
• South Dakota’s four doubles is tied for the fifth most by a team in a tournament game
• Eight different Coyotes recorded a hit
• Attendance: 336
Up Next
South Dakota advances to Championship Saturday with its 10-1 win over North Dakota State. The Championship game will be at 1 p.m. and shown live on Midco Sports Network. North Dakota State will play South Dakota State in an elimination game at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
